The business behind the show

WWE Studios executive Pavone out

August 10, 2011 | 3:43
pm

One of the top programming executives at World Wrestling Entertainment Inc. has resigned.

Mike Pavone, executive vice president of WWE Studios, left last week to "pursue other interests," according to a regulatory filing by the company late Wednesday afternoon. Although the company prefers to be referred to as just WWE, it still uses World Wrestling Entertainment in regulatory filings.

Besides being known for its professional wrestling shows such as "SmackDown" and "Raw," WWE has also tried to make a go of the movie business. The company has self-distributed and marketed many of its films. Recent releases include "That's What I Am" and "The Chaperone."

None of the low-budget movies have been box-office smashes. The film unit has managed to make a profit over the last three years, although last year it made just $400,000.

Besides movies, Pavone also had oversight over WWE's series and reality programming efforts.

A WWE representative was not immediately available to comment on whether Pavone's exit meant the company was rethinking its commitment to the movie business.